Besides the anticipated postage increases and the transition from the Postnet Barcode to the new IMB Barcode format the Post Office has made MAJOR changes in the way Self Mailers are to be processed in 2013.
It is very important that all printers, designers, Direct Mail customers and mailing professionals adhere to these new rules as the Post Office is sticking to their guns and offering no exceptions.
Here are some of the major changes that you should be aware of:
CURRENT REGULATIONS:
Length – minimum of 5 inches and a maximum of 10 ½ inches.
• Height – minimum of 3 ½ inches and a maximum of 6 inches.
• Thickness – minimum of 0.009 inch; the maximum thickness is ¼ inch.
• Shape – Rectangular, square corners and parallel opposite sides
• Address placement – Parallel to longest dimension
• Maximum Weight: 3 ounces.
• Aspect Ratio (length divided by height) – between 1.3 to 2.5
NEW REGULATIONS:
• Minimum Paperweight – Under 1 ounce – 70# book or equivalent, over 1 oz- 80# book or equivalent – In some instances paperweight minimums will increase
• No perforated tabs/wafer seals – Minimum of 2 tabs per piece, sometimes three tabs are required
• 1 ½” tabs required if piece is over an ounce
• Final fold must be on bottom or lead (right) edge when looking at address
• Each folded section is considered a panel – Maximum of 12 panels (unless printed on newsprint) – i.e.: a sheet folded once has two panels, folded twice has 3 panels, quarter-folded or double-parallel has 4 panels
• Address MUST NOT be on panel created by the final fold. On a typical tri-fold piece (such as this one), the address location is now the MIDDLE panel
• Short panels (flaps) must be the final fold and go from the front to the back on either the top or lead (right) edge of the piece
• There are also additional new regulations related sealing with glue, perforations, enclosures, tear off strips, attachments and die-cuts.
Want to know how to create a winning direct mail campaign that won’t break your bank?
Click here to receive our consumer guide: 12 Ways To Avoid Paying More Than You Have To For Direct Mail. Inside you’ll learn the key mistakes to avoid when developing a direct mail campaign, the key element that can make or break your direct mail offering, plus you will be eligible to receive a special discount as a first-time customer! Get your free direct mail guide today!
